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SDS talent evaluators Jon Cooper and Brad Crawford spent several months breaking down last year’s highlights, incoming talent and projected 2014 impact following spring practice to compile a list of the SEC’s Top 100 players heading into fall. Athletes were selected by position then ranked overall counting down to No. 1.
Stick with SDS throughout summer and get in on the action using the hashtag #SDSTop100 as we unveil a new player daily leading up to opening night on Aug. 28.
26. A’Shawn Robinson, Soph., DL, Alabama
Potential. It’s a word tossed around a lot during the preseason in the SEC as we all try and project a freshman or sophomore’s worth. Here’s a guy who certainly has it, enough strength and size to join the SEC’s elite up front as a committed second-year talent. Robinson’s light on his feet and moves effortlessly despite his measurables at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds. He’s already further along at this point in his career than former Alabama great Marcell Dareus as a one or two-gap rusher.
RELATED: Projecting 2014 SEC stat leaders — Defensive Linemen
The former five-star and U.S. Army Bowl selection from Fort Worth, Texas was recently named to the 2014 Lombardi watch list and gives Kirby Smart’s defense an All-SEC caliber player at each level joining Trey DePriest and Landon Collins.
Often lining up at the 5-technique in Alabama’s 3-4 base alignment, Robinson will command a double team by season’s end and could lead the Crimson Tide in sacks and tackles for loss this season. The sophomore’s flexibility provides defensive line coach Bo Davis some freedom on where to put No. 86 depending on the opposing offense’s look.
Robinson will dominate no matter where he’s placed.
2013 statistics: 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks
2014 projection: 46 tackles, 7.5 sacks
